The Dandy's final printed edition has gone on sale as it marks its 75th anniversary by relaunching as an online-only publication.

Britain's longest-running comic will now be available to download online, and as a smartphone and tablet app.

Dundee-based publisher DC Thompson announced in August that the weekly children’s comic would make the transition into cyberspace following dwindling sales in recent years.

The issue features a cameo from Sir Paul McCartney, who said in 1963 it was his ambition to appear in the comic, and a pull-out of the first issue from December 4, 1937.

The website will feature old favourites Desperate Dan, Bananaman and Korky the Cat in new animated strips, featuring voice overs and sound effects.

Users will also be able to play interactive games, watch videos and create their very own virtual pet.

David Bain, the comic's head of digital development, said: "The Dandy is alive and well, and it's going to continue as usual.

"It's just as of next week it's going to be available online on a regular basis, with all the famous characters and scripts and storylines and humour, as well as games, goodies and interactivity.

"It's all about fun, humour and a bit of mischief, a bit of pranking."

Ellis Watson, chief executive of DC Thompson, said: "I appreciate it's almost a deliberately naive venture into the unknown for a publisher that's been cutting down trees for 75 years, squishing them flat and smearing ink all over them.

"We're not super slick, we're not Silicon Valley, but what we are is some pretty talented animators and storytellers that are really excited about seeing if we can introduce these wonderful characters to another couple of generations."

The first online issue will be free of charge, with following issues being priced at £1.49. A yearly subscription for the digital comic will be £29.99.

During its peak circulation in the 1950s, the Dandy sold two million copies each week. This figure has dropped in recent years to around 8,000.